For Barry McGuigan, it is hard to replace the buzz of nights like beating Eusebio Pedroza in front of a TV audience of 18million — but guiding Carl Frampton to the top is the next best thing, writes David Anderson in Las Vegas .

McGuigan has masterminded Frampton’s ascent to become a two-weight world champion and the featherweight division’s No.1.

“It’s hugely satisfying,” said the Northern Irishman, who won the WBA title, which Frampton now holds, from Pedroza on a famous night at Queens Park Rangers' Loftus Road ground in 1985.

“You can only fight for so long and to be involved in developing talent is something I always wanted to do.

This time, Frampton is the champion and Santa Cruz the challenger (Image: Getty Images Europe)

“Helping kids realise their dreams and fulfil their potential is a great source of satisfaction and gratification for me.

“In real terms, Carl was an unfunded boxer in the amateurs and I’ve taken him from there right through to becoming Commonwealth, European and World champion.”